Gerry vs Thai champ here?

If plans don't miscarry, Gerry Peñalosa will battle World Boxing Federation (WBF) junior bantamweight champion Samson 3-K Battery of Thailand in the main event of a blockbuster triple title card at the PhilSports Arena on March 11.

Peñalosa and his manager Rudy Salud plan to leave for Bangkok this Friday to negotiate the fight and witness Samson's title defense against Lee Jin Ho of Korea on Saturday.

The Rizal Youth Development Foundation (RYDF) is promoting the March 11 bill which also features Philippine titlist Joselito Rivera versus Kongthawat Oratai-Gym of Thailand for the vacant WBF junior lightweight crown and unbeaten Mandaluyong prospect Orlando Villaflor versus Dutch Boy Singhwangcha of Thailand for the vacant WBF featherweight throne.

According to WBF referee and judge Rudy Dalisay, Samson had agreed to stake his title against Manny Pacquiao for a $25,000 purse in the PhilSports card. But Pacquiao backed out because of a commitment to face Arnel Barotillo at the Elorde Sports Center on March 4.

Salud said Peñalosa -- still smarting from his hairline loss to World Boxing Council (WBC) superflyweight champion In Joo Cho in Seoul early this month -- is eager to get back into the ring. He turned down an offer to fight WBC International superflyweight champion Damaen Kelly of Ireland in Manila for the chance to meet Samson, a more formidable opponent. Salud said Peñalosa will fight Samson either in Bangkok or Manila.

"It doesn't matter where the fight is held," said Salud. "The outcome will be the same -- either Gerry or Samson will win by knockout and I expect Gerry to win."

Peñalosa is scheduled to confer with clinical nutritionist Dr. Sanirose Orbeta this Friday afternoon on his ideal fighting weight before taking the night flight to Bangkok. Since rearranging his diet on Dr. Orbeta's two weeks ago, Peñalosa has lost four pounds without reducing his food intake.